2016 Toyota Tacoma revealed at the Detroit auto show

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Toyota claims its Tacoma pickup truck has been the segment’s best-seller for the past decade, and though we don’t doubt their figures, we’ll note that the midsize field was running a bit lean for much of that time. Compared to the new Colorado and Canyon, the stout second-generation Tacoma -- introduced in 2004 -- was showing its age.

The 2016 Toyota Tacoma, which has just made its debut at the Detroit auto show, arrives just in time to help the nameplate maintain its pack-leading sales status. Toyota says the new truck packs a long list of improvements ranging from a strengthened frame, weight-saving hot-stamped steel body components, a quieter interior and a redesigned suspension setup.

The Tacoma gets either a 2.7-liter inline-four or a 3.5-liter Atkinson cycle V6. Photo by Josh Scott

There are big changes under the hood, too: the 2016 Tacoma gets either a 2.7-liter gasoline inline-four (we’re not sure if it’s a carryover) or a 3.5-liter gasoline V6. Replacing the outgoing Tacoma’s 4.0-liter V6, that 3.5-liter motor is a bit unusual as it runs on the Atkinson cycle for greater efficiency (Atkinson cycle engines are typically found in hybrids, including Toyota’s Prius) and features simultaneous port and direct injection -- a system Toyota calls “D-4S.” A similar engine is found in the Lexus IS and GS350.

Both powerplants are backed by six-speed automatic transmissions, though buyers of 3.5-liter can also opt for a six-speed manual. Two- and four-wheel-drive trucks will be offered. We’re still waiting on performance figures and fuel efficiency numbers.

Visually, the 2016 Tacoma isn’t a radical departure from its predecessor, with a profile similar to that of the second-gen truck. The fascia gets a substantial reworking, however, with a hexagonal grille resembling that of the Toyota Tundra.

As with the new Nissan Titan, which also made its debut in Detroit, buyers of the Toyota Tacoma will have five trims to choose from: the basic SR, the SR5, the TRD Sport, the TRD Off-Road and the plush Limited. TRD Off-Road trucks get a hefty range of -- you guessed it -- off-road-oriented features like a limited slip locking rear differential and Toyota’s crawl control system (think of it as a low-speed cruise control for trail running).

The Tacoma’s list of available options is long, including everything from a tri-fold hard tonneau cover for the bed to leather-trimmed seats to a variety of wheels to blind spot monitors to push-button start. We’ll have to wait until closer to the truck’s sale date to see how much all of this costs.

One thing that does come standard on each Tacoma: a GoPro camera mount near the rearview mirror. Whether drivers use it to capture off-road adventures or the daily commute's gridlock remains to be seen.

TRD Off-Road trucks get a variety of -- you guessed it -- off-road-oriented enhancements, including a feature called "crawl control." Photo by Toyota

Graham Kozak
- Graham Kozak drove a 1951 Packard 200 sedan in high school because he wanted something that would be easy to find in a parking lot. He thinks all the things they're doing with fuel injection and seatbelts these days are pretty nifty too.
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